I would like to purchase 4-6 blue or red heckel discus. E-mail address-ach1n2@aol.com-phone# 502_239_4732.Thanks!Arnold Holliman

Want to sell one baby Oranda goldfish. Orange with black fins and 1-2 inches long. Bought it without doing the research beforehand and my setup is completely inadequate for this fish. Would rather give to a responsible owner than return to the pet shop. Pickup local in Boston, MA. Free to the right owner.Mark Smith

Have male electric blue roughly 5-6 inches about 12-14 months old color is bold but still developing looking to sell best offer local pickup in Ct.heidi ward

want to buyjohn brandofino

I live in Indiana (Indianapolis area). I've got a 125 gal. tank. I have 2 med. sized Oscars. I am interested in the elec. Blue Jack Dempseys. I'd like to buy one or 2 large ones. Does anybody know where I can buy large ones either in a pet store or online? Thanks!Kent Robinson

The commonly available and popular Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is one of the most notable color morphs of the Dwarf GouramiTrichogaster lalius. This variety is truly striking with its much more intensive amount of blue than its parentage. It has a bright turquoise to neon blue color accented with strong vertical dark red stripes. It was developed by breeders selectively pairing specimens for these desirable characteristics and strengthening them over several generations. This color variety may be referred to as the Rainbow Gourami when the blue coloring has a shiny metallic cast to it.

This is a very striking fish that makes a great show specimen for the aquarium. Other than the more intense blue coloration however, this fish is the same in all respects as the regular Dwarf Gourami. It stays fairly small with the males reaching only about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length. The females are a bit smaller at around 2 1/3 inches (6 cm).

This fish is a Labyrinth fish, which are distinguished by their ability to breathe atmospheric oxygen. Like all fish they have gills, but they also have an additional respiratory apparatus called the "labyrinth organ". This gives them the ability to breath oxygen by gulping air at the surface of the water. Another labyrinth fish characteristic this fish displays is that of being a bubble nest builder. In an aquarium with an active male, you can see a cluster of bubbles on the top of the water. Once the female lays the eggs, the male will pick them up in his mouth and put them in his bubble nest and will continue to guard the eggs until they hatch.

Like its predecessors, this variety makes a very good fish for the beginner and is enjoyed by advanced aquarists as well. Their aquarium needs, care and feeding are the same as their parentage. They are quite hardy as long as their water is kept clean with regular water changes. It is undemanding and fairly easy to breed as well. They do need plenty of plant cover not only for nest building, but also to provide plenty of places to hide.

With its small size a single fish could be kept in a smaller aquarium of at least 5 gallons, however a 10 gallon tank will suit it much better. A larger tank allows for a better planted arrangement and the water will be more stable. In a larger tank there will be room for some companions as well.

Being a peaceful fish makes them a good addition to a community tank but they can be a little timid, especially if housed with fish that pester them. Fish that are very active, large or aggressive fish will cause them to withdraw. On the other hand fish that are gaudily colored, like guppies and bettas, as well as other dwarf gouramis, will bring out a territorial aggression in them. The best tankmates are other species of small, peaceful fish.

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is one of a number of beautiful varieties that have been developed and are readily available today. Some of the other popular varieties include the Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami, also known as the Coral Blue Dwarf Gourami or Blue Dwarf Gourami and the Flame Dwarf Gourami, also known as the Fire Red or "Blood" Red Dwarf Gourami.

The Dwarf Gourami Trichogaster lalius (previously known as Colisa lalia) was described by Hamilton in 1822. It was originally found in South Asia from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. At one time it was believed to occur in Nepal and Myanmar as well, but that is now thought to be as a result of misidentification. However it has now been widely distributed outside of its native range with feral populations found in Singapore, the United States, and in Colombia.

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is a captive bred color morph developed from the Dwarf Gourami. This variety was developed by breeders over several generations, by selectively pairing specimens for the desirable red and blue coloration with reduced vertical striping. This color variety may be referred to as the Rainbow Gourami when the blue coloring has a shiny metallic cast to it.

In nature the Dwarf Gouramis are found in slow-moving streams, rivulets, rice fields, irrigation channels and other agricultural lands. They primarily occur in areas with thick vegetation. They are omnivorous and feed on small invertebrates, algae, and other aufwuchs.

Scientific Name: Trichogaster lalius

Social Grouping: Groups - In nature this species lives communally with other peaceful species.

IUCN Red List: NE - Not Evaluated or not listed - There are no wild populations of this color morph.

Description

The Dwarf Gouramis have a somewhat compressed, oval shaped body and the fins are rounded and relatively large. The ventral fins are threadlike and carry touch-sensitive cells that are extremely perceptive. They have a labyrinth organ, a part of the fish which allows it to absorb atmospheric oxygen directly into the bloodstream. They have an average lifespan of 4 years, but can live up to 7 years with proper care.

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is a captive bred color variety developed from the Dwarf Gourami. The males will normally reach about 3 inches (7.5 cm) in length, with the females being slightly smaller at around 2 1/3 inches (6 cm). Their coloring is very similar to the Dwarf Gourami, but with a much more intensive amount of blue. Males are easily distinguished, having a bright orangish red background with bluish green vertical striping extending onto the fins. Females have a lighter blue-gray background and are less colorful.

Size of fish - inches: 3.5 inches (8.79 cm) - In the aquarium these fish are normally smaller, with the males reaching about 3" (7.5 cm) and females about 2.4" (6 cm).

Lifespan: 4 years - The average lifespan is 4 years, but with proper care they could live as much as 7 years.

Fish Keeping Difficulty

This is a hardy fish and makes a good choice for the beginner. They are fairly undemanding as long the tank is properly set-up and maintained. They are readily accept all sorts of aquarium foods and are fairly easy to breed. They are prone to disease if the water quality is not kept up, so their tank does need regular maintenance. The location of the tank is important too. These fish get nervous and will get stressed it their tank is in areas that are loud, or where there's a lot of traffic around the tank.

Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy

Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Foods and Feeding

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is an omnivore and will generally eat all kinds of live, fresh, and flake foods. To keep a good balance give them a quality flake or pellet food as the base to the diet. Supplement this with live foods such as white worms, blood worms, brine shrimp, or any other suitable substitute. Vegetable tablets can be offered as well. Generally feed once or twice a day.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Flake Food: Yes

Tablet Pellet: Yes

Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet

Vegetable Food: Some of Diet

Meaty Food: Some of Diet

Feeding Frequency: Daily - Generally feed once or twice a day.

Aquarium Care

The Dwarf Gouramis are hardy fish. Although the labyrinth organ allows the fish to survive in oxygen depleted water, it is a common misconception that this makes water changes unnecessary. This is hardly the case as these fish will suffer the same tissue damage from built up toxins as any other fish. Regular water changes are a must with 25% weekly being recommended.

Water Changes: Weekly - Weekly water changes of 25% are recommended.

Aquarium Setup

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami will swim in all parts of the tank, but particularly likes the middle and top portions of the aquarium. These are small fish and a single specimen could be kept in a smaller aquarium of at least 5 gallons. However a 10 gallon tank is recommended as it will suit it much better. There's plenty of space for plants and the water will be more stable, and there will be room for some tankmates as well. It is desirable to keep the tank in a room with a temperature as close as possible to the tank water, or risk damaging the labyrinth organ. The tank should have an efficient filtration system but should not to create too much of a current. Air stones are also recommended for these fish as they prefer well oxygenated waters.

Dwarf Gouramis will show their colors best on a dark substrate. They enjoy an aquarium that gets a good amount of light, but the tank should be decorated in a manner that provides plenty of hiding places for this shy fish to feel safe and secure. If the tank is too sparsely decorated tank they will become shy and withdrawn. These fish appreciate dense vegetation with some floating plants to give some cover. However they will regularly breath air at the surface so its important to have some areas unencumbered with plants. The tank needs to be located in a quiet area as these fish are easily scared by loud noises.

Temperature: 72.0 to 82.0° F (22.2 to 27.8&deg C) - The ideal water temperature is 77° F (25° C). Keeping the surrounding room temperature consistent with the water temperature will help avoid trauma to the labyrinth organ.

Water Region: All - These fish will swim in all areas, but particularly in the middle and top portions of the aquarium

Social Behaviors

Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis are a good community fish that can be kept with other peaceful fish. Large, active, or aggressive fish can easily intimidate them.They can be timid and may hide when first introduced to an aquarium. It may take some time for them to become comfortable and behave normally.

Although this fish is often sold as pairs, the male may become belligerent to the female. Sometimes a pair can be kept together, but watch for male bullying of the female and provide plenty of hiding places.. Two males, similar to bettas will fight, especially in smaller aquariums. Unless the aquarium is very large and well planted it's best not to keep a mix of Gourami species together or to keep this fish with other anabantoids including Bettas. These types of fish will bring out the aggressive side of this gourami. Avoid housing them with fin nippers and brightly colored species like guppies.

In larger aquariums they can be kept with some of the other gouramis or even some peaceful cichlids. But these companions need to be selected carefully. This gourami simply doesn't do well with tankmates that are too large, too active, or aggressive. It's never a good idea to house these fish with those that are protective of their fry. Protective fish have been known to bully these fish which can eventually cause death.

Temperament: Peaceful - Breeding males can be quite belligerent.

Compatible with:

Same species - conspecifics: Sometimes - It is generally not a good idea to keep Dwarf Gouramis together unless breeding or in a very large tank that is heavily planted.

Peaceful fish (): Safe - They do well with other small peaceful fish.

Semi-Aggressive (): Threat

Aggressive (): Threat

Large Semi-Aggressive (): Threat

Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Threat

Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor - Gouramis can be quick at feeding time. Make sure any fish that are not so quick get fed if you are keeping them with gouramis.

Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive

Plants: Safe

Sex: Sexual differences

The male is much more colorful and has a pointed dorsal pennant, they also generally have a smaller belly than the female. The female has much less color and her dorsal is rounded or curved. Pairs will generally swim together.

Breeding / Reproduction

Breeding the Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is not too difficult, but the behavior of the males can be somewhat unpredictable. Sometimes during the courtship and after building the nest, a male may consider females to be rivals and bully them. So the plants are essential for the female to have places for retreat.

Like most fish in this family, male Dwarf Gouramis are bubble nest builders. In an aquarium you will see a cluster of bubbles on the top of the water. Once the nest had been built the male will begin a courtship display, usually in the afternoon or evening. He will flare up his dorsal fin and begin swimming around a female. The male ultimately embraces the female turning her on her back. The female will release the eggs and the male will immediately fertilize them. The eggs are lighter than water and float to the top. The male will pick any not in the nest in his mouth, and put them in his bubble nest. The eggs will hatch in about 12 - 36 hours and the fry will be free swimming in about 3 days.

Neon Blue Dwarf Gouramis are very hardy so disease is not usually a problem in a well maintained aquarium. Some diseases they are prone to are bacterial infections, constipation and Hole in the Head if good water quality, nutrition, and maintenance is not provided. With any additions to a tank such as new fish, plants, substrates, and decorations there is a risk of introducing disease. It's advisable to properly clean or quarantine anything that you want add to an established tank prior to introduction, so as not to upset the balance.

These fish are very resilient but knowing the signs of illness, and catching and treating them early makes a huge difference. An outbreak of disease can often be limited to just one or a few fishes if you deal with it at an early stage. The best way to proactively prevent disease is to give your fish the proper environment and a well balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat the less stress the fish will have, making them healthier and happy. A stressed fish will is more likely to acquire disease. For information about freshwater fish diseases and illnesses, see Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments.

Availability

The Neon Blue Dwarf Gourami is readily available both in stores and online. The males are moderately expensive, with females (or purchasing by the pair) usually being a little less.

Amanda - 2008-09-09Believe it or not, Walmart has female eon dwarf gouramis. The best part is, if you have any problems within 90 days, you take them the fish and the reciept and they will refund your money or give you another fish.

Meghan L - 2010-04-04I bought mine yesterday at Petco and I got 2. I'm not sure if they're girl girls or boys or both. But one of thm is not using his gills but he was before. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing. He's not moving as much as he used to (he was active during the morning) plz let me know if you know anything about what's going on. thanks

eden - 2010-05-08I have 2 gouramis and I love them they are very hardy and do great in a community tank. The weird thing is that they won't mate if you don't have live plants trust me I have tried and it doesn't work out. As soon as I put live plants in they built a bubble nest and are still building. The reason I think they need live plants in there is so they can weave the plant debris in the nest. I would highly recommend getting this type of fish!

Caleb - 2010-07-17I just bought a baby (7/8 or 1 inch) neon blue gourami today to put in with my platys and cherry shrimp. He (I think) is a wonderfully coloured fish and full of personality. At the pet shop, I walked up to the tank and he swam to the front and followed me around it. I wasn't even intending on buying him, but his personality and colours got me. Overall, a wonderful fish.